A marvelous time was had by all on March 20th!
Informative masterclass and a joyful, masterful evening performance. Thanks to all who participated and donated to the ICO.
Read on for Artist Bio
Artist Bio
Dylan Savage, DM, is Professor of Piano at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte and is the North Carolina Music Teachers’ Association 2024 Music Teacher of the Year recipient. He is author of the book The Transposed Musician: Teaching Universal Skills to Improve Performance and Benefit Life and co-author of A Symposium for Pianists and Teachers: Strategies to Develop the Mind and Body for Optimal Performance.
Professor Savage created a system for non-music students to learn universal skills where he demonstrated them in performance at the piano keyboard. He then taught that system at UNC-Charlotte as an honors course called Learning Universal Skills through Music: Crucial Tools for Life and Work.
Dr. Savage has performed concerts and presented talks around the globe for over 40 years. During that time, he has also given workshops to businesses and Fortune 500 companies using the piano to demonstrate process in creativity, listening, collaboration, problem-solving, and continuous improvement. For the last 20 years, Savage has worked to help music professionals and the general public better understand that life/universal skills can be well-learned through the music lesson and then easily transferred to other disciplines.
Dr. Savage created the Un-Recital to help break down the formal, time-worn practice of the music recital and transform it into something more audience-friendly, informative, and fun.
GRATEFUL FRIENDS BENEFIT CONCERT SERIES: Year-round need equals year-round concerts! Heads, hands and hearts together.
2025 Season of Benefit Concerts by the Sea
3/30/25 4 pm, Strings in the Spring, benefits InterFaith Community Outreach.
6/29/25 4 pm, Summer Songfest, benefits WaterLife Pregnancy Care Center.
9/28/25 4 pm, A Musical Feast, benefits Beach Food Pantry.
12/21/25 4 pm, A Graceful Christmas, benefits OBX Room in the Inn.
What is The Grateful Friends Series – Benefit Concerts by the Sea?
Musician colleagues from around the Outer Banks, the “Grateful Friends,” present benefit concerts at Grace throughout the year. OBX music professionals and serious students, we are dedicated to raising funds and awareness for local organizations that serve the most basic needs of our neighbors: shelter, food, clothing, crisis assistance. Heads, hands and hearts together! Grace Lutheran Church is home to the series.
Press Release
Grace Lutheran by the Sea Church Presents Annual Concert Series Celebrating Music, Community, and Local Organizations Offering Crisis Assistance
Dare County, NC – Grace Lutheran by the Sea Church is proud to present its annual concert series. We offer a unique blend of musical performances, community connection, and support for local crisis assistance organizations. With four concerts scheduled throughout the year, the series is designed to bring people together to enjoy live music in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Three Main Objectives
- Sharing a Love of Music: Each performance is an opportunity to connect with others who appreciate music and the arts. We feature a wide range of genres and styles.
- Offering Free Access to All: The concerts are free to attend, ensuring that everyone can experience the performances regardless of financial situation.
- Raising Awareness for Local Nonprofits: In addition to celebrating music, our concert series highlights the important work of local nonprofit organizations. We help raise awareness for their missions in the Outer Banks community.
A Unique Concert Experience
Grace Lutheran by the Sea Church’s concert series stands out by fostering a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. We do not pressure attendees to donate. Hosts invite guests to leave a gift in a basket at the entrance, if able. We focus on creating an enjoyable experience for all attendees.
Our concerts are known for their diverse musical repertoire and inclusion of both traditional and unique instruments. Performances have featured instruments like the hammered dulcimer and the lute. Attendees have a chance to see these instruments up close after the performance ends.
Performances last about an hour and offer a perfect opportunity to unwind and reset for the week ahead, while enjoying high-quality music and community engagement.
Promoting Community Engagement
Grace Lutheran by the Sea Church is committed to spreading the word about this special series across Dare County and beyond. We hope to grow the audience and foster greater participation in our mission of music, community, and support for local service organizations
About Grace Lutheran by the Sea Church
We are a welcoming church, dedicated to fostering a strong community through our programs and events. With a passion for music and a commitment to social good, our concert series reflects our core values of inclusivity, support, and outreach.
Media Contact: Cathy L. Pescevich Kreplin 252-955-0706 cathy@ncmusicteachers.com gracelutheranobx.org
In Recital September 20th 2025
